The youth wing of the Akute West Area Community Development Committee (AW-CDC) orchestrated a two-day empowerment program focused on equipping young people with vital Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills. Held at SALIB Hotel & Suites in Akute, Ogun State, the training encompassed several key areas, including content creation and marketing, affiliate marketing, and financial trading, attracting a diverse group of participants ranging from senior secondary school students and school leavers to young adults residing within the community. This initiative aimed to address the growing unemployment rate and curb the increasing involvement of youth in illicit activities, particularly internet fraud.
The training sessions were led by experienced professionals who provided hands-on guidance and insights into the respective fields. Mr. Tope Smith, the content creation and marketing facilitator, emphasized the importance of originality and audience engagement, urging participants to create videos that resonate with their target demographic. Simultaneously, Oluwapelumi Igbinlade, the affiliate marketing tutor, stressed the significance of a deep understanding of the subject matter, encouraging participants to fully immerse themselves in the learning process. The program’s comprehensive approach sought to empower participants with practical skills applicable to the modern digital landscape.
Financial trading formed another crucial component of the empowerment program. Mr. Akintunde Akintayo, the facilitator for this session, delved into the intricacies of forex trading, cryptocurrency, and the Binance platform. He demystified cryptocurrency, clarifying its legitimacy as a digital financial instrument. By emphasizing that cryptocurrency offers a viable means of trading and storing money digitally, he aimed to dispel misconceptions and equip participants with the knowledge to navigate this evolving financial landscape. Mr. Akintayo underscored the potential of cryptocurrency to enhance financial well-being.
Beyond technical skills, the program also emphasized character development and wealth creation. Mr. Albert Owolabi, an investment banker, advised the youth to prioritize education and cultivate strong values. He stressed the enduring importance of education, both academic and financial, as a cornerstone of personal and professional success. By linking education to financial literacy, he highlighted the practical application of knowledge in achieving financial stability and realizing life goals. His message reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to personal development.
The driving force behind this initiative was the alarming rise in youth unemployment and the associated increase in cybercrime within the community. Mukadam Awayewaserere, the youth leader of AW-CDC, explained that the program was conceived to address these critical issues. He noted the prevalence of internet fraud, locally known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” among the youth and stressed the urgency of intervening early to redirect them towards legitimate opportunities. Drawing from his own experience in the entertainment industry, Awayewaserere highlighted the devastating impact of poverty and lack of direction on young lives, emphasizing the program’s aim to equip youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to build a brighter future.
The two-year journey to fruition for this empowerment program was met with widespread support from the community. Oluwatoyin Kadiri, Chairman of AW-CDC, commended the youth wing for their dedication and perseverance in bringing this vision to life. He also expressed gratitude to the Community Development Association (CDA) chairmen and chairpersons for their invaluable contributions. Kadiri urged the participants to leverage the acquired skills to improve their lives and contribute positively to the community’s growth. The presence of various dignitaries, including executives of AW-CDC, Grand Patron of AW-CDC, and chairmen of different area CDCs, underscored the community’s collective commitment to youth empowerment and development.
